Matthew 5:29
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμός
eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμός
eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
4 of 33
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεξιὸς
right
G1188
δεξιὸς
right
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
7 of 33
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
σκανδαλίζει
offend
G4624
σκανδαλίζει
offend
Strong's:
G4624
Word #:
8 of 33
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
ἔξελε
out
G1807
ἔξελε
out
Strong's:
G1807
Word #:
10 of 33
actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release
αὐτὸν
it
G846
αὐτὸν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 33
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βληθῇ
cast
G906
βληθῇ
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
13 of 33
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ἀπὸ
it from
G575
ἀπὸ
it from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 33
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
συμφέρει
it is profitable
G4851
συμφέρει
it is profitable
Strong's:
G4851
Word #:
16 of 33
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
17 of 33
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀπόληται
should perish
G622
ἀπόληται
should perish
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
20 of 33
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
26 of 33
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὅλον
whole
G3650
ὅλον
whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
27 of 33
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμά
body
G4983
σῶμά
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
29 of 33
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
βληθῇ
cast
G906
βληθῇ
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
31 of 33
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
Cross References
Colossians 3:5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:Romans 8:13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.Romans 6:6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.1 Corinthians 9:27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.Mark 8:36For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?Galatians 5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Matthew 19:12For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.Matthew 23:15Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.Matthew 5:22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Historical Context
Ancient Jewish and pagan texts sometimes discussed self-mutilation, but the Torah prohibited it. Jesus speaks hyperbolically to shock His audience into recognizing sin's gravity. The eye was considered precious, making the metaphor powerful.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'eye' (valuable thing) in your life feeds sinful patterns that you need to remove?
- How seriously do you take the cost of discipleship and the demand for radical holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hyperbolic language emphasizes the extreme seriousness of sin and need for radical action. Jesus doesn't command literal self-mutilation but ruthless elimination of sin's occasions. If something causes you to sin, remove it, no matter how valuable. Spiritual purity is worth any earthly sacrifice.